Summer 2014 in ILOCOS (Day 2: Laoag)

We left Juanita Uddon’s Homestay at 6:50 AM and rode a tricycle to the bus terminal. Coming from Pagudpud, it took us around 2 hours of non-stop drive to reach Laoag city. We paid Php 180.00 for the bus ride.

As soon as we arrived at the terminal, we immediately contacted our tricycle tour guide, Kuya Tots. For Php 700.00, you can already go around the tourist destinations of Laoag city. He served as our tour guide/photographer. You can reach Kuya Tots @ 09183801853.

Accommodation

We reserved a room at Northview Hotel, a budget hotel located in the Northern part of Airport Road which is approximately 1.5 km away from the city proper. We paid Php 1,750.00 for an overnight stay at their Standard Triple Room.

Since check-in time is @ 2:00 pm, we left our bags with the receptionist who willingly placed it in their storage for safekeeping until we return.

The hotel was ok and has an outdoor swimming pool. There are little mosquitoes inside our room, though. 

Itinerary

We had breakfast at Macy’s Diner which offers a wide variety of food from traditional Filipino dishes to American favorites. It's just beside Hotel Tiffany and is near the bus terminal. The place reminded me of 50's diner in Baguio. :)

The retro-themed Macy's diner.

This jukebox plays old American, Filipino, and Ilocano pop songs at Php 5.00/song.

The diner is filled with posters of 50's icons like James Dean and Elvis Presley.

After a sumptuous breakfast, we headed to our first destination, St. William’s Cathedral/Laoag Cathedral. The cathedral is known for its Italian Renaissance design and its Sinking Bell Tower.

There was a mass inside the church so we just took pictures outside.

The 2-storey facade of St. William's Cathedral supported by 4 pairs of coupled columns

The Sinking Bell Tower is reported to be sinking an inch to the ground every year.

Next on our list is Fort Ilocandia Resort & Casino, the only 5-star deluxe resort hotel in Northern Luzon. This was originally constructed by the Marcos family for their daughter Irene's wedding reception.

The verdant gardens of Fort Ilocandia are perfect for photoshoots. 

Clean and green

After Fort Ilocandia, we visited Malacanang of the North or Malacanang ti Amianan as the locals call it. This served as the official residence of the Marcos family whenever they were in Ilocos. Entrance fee is Php 30.00 each.

Facade of Malacanang Ti Amianan 

Paintings of Imelda and the Paoay Church

Take a peek inside the museum.

Overlooking the idyllic waters of Paoay Lake

We had lunch at Café Herencia which is in front of Paoay Church. The restaurant is famous for Pinakbet Pizza which we didn't try because we don't eat Pinakbet. :p

Yummy Sinigang na Hipon and Bagnet with KBL (Kamatis, Bagoong, Lasona)

After lunch, we walked a few steps to the famed Paoay Church which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous Baroque churches in the country.

The grand Paoay Church

Posing in front of Paoay's 300-year old church. It's earthquake proof. 

The bell tower is detached from the church so that when an earthquake occurs the tower will not smash on the structure.

Another tourist favorite is the Marcos Mausoleum and Museum which was jam-packed when we arrived. Entrance fee is Php 50.00 each.

This tourist destination houses hundreds of memorabilia of the late president from his stint in the Armed Forces down to his presidency.

Playing around

This part of the museum exhibits Marcos' days in prison for the Nalundasan Murder. He reviewed for the bar while in prison but emerged as the topnotcher with an almost-perfect score.

Plate numbers of some cars owned by Marcos.

The terno with butterfly sleeves was popularized by Imelda Marcos.

After checking out the museum, we went to the Mausoleum where remains of the late president Marcos are interred. Taking pictures is strictly not allowed.

There's this creepy vibe as soon as we entered. At the center is a glass-encased coffin in which Marcos' embalmed body is rested. Playing in the background is a creepy Gregorian chant and lining the walls are fragrant faux flowers made of eggshells. There are rumors that the body is a wax replica and that the real body is buried in the ground.

Saving the best for last, we headed to the only desert in the Philippines, the Paoay Sand Dunes. We rented a 4x4 vehicle for P1,500.00. You just have to add P 1,000.00 if you wish to try sandboarding too. The ride lasted for 30 minutes but it felt like forever. Haha.

The Paoay Sand Dunes Adventure is the most popular sport/adventure in Ilocos Norte.

4x4 Rough Riding Vehicles 

We look so cocky and complacent because this was taken before the ride.

The highlight of our Laoag trip! Ecstatic kiddos

We stopped by at the beach to watch the sunset before we ended the thrilling ride.

     

A statue of superstar Nora Aunor in her role as "Elsa" in the classic Filipino film "Himala" is erected atop one of the highest peaks in the sand dunes.

Remember this tree from the classic film "Himala"?

We only availed of the 4X4 package. We were supposed to take a picture riding the sandboard but the driver apparently forgot our request. When we realized that he drove past the sandboarding area, we're already a thousand miles away. Oh boy was my sister fuming mad. 

Nevertheless, it was the best part of Day 2 indeed! 

We then headed to the hotel for dinner and a late-night swim. We were so lucky we had the pool all by ourselves.

And that chill night caps off our 2nd day in Ilocos. :)